About The Rough Rider Fund

The Rough Rider Fund is a one and a half cent city sales tax that was established in 1998 to support projects that enhance Watford City and the surrounding areas. The committee, appointed by the mayor, operates under the guidelines in the HANDBOOK of POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, REVISED January 6, 2025.  View the handbook at the link below.

2025 Rough Rider Fund Programs

BUSINESS AUTOMATION & INNOVATION FORGIVEABLE LOAN

BUSINESS FLEX PACE / PACE INTEREST BUYDOWN MATCH GRANT

BUSINESS STARTUP & EXPANSION FORGIVABLE LOAN

BUSINESS MICRO-MATCH GRANT

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY – NONCOFORMING BUILDING CODE / GRANDFATHERED FORGIVEABLE LOAN

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY - PARKING & FACADE MATCH GRANT / SIGNAGE FORGIVEABLE LOAN

COMMUNITY BUILD GRANT

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT GRANT

LICENSED CHILD CARE RENEWAL REIMBURSEMENT GRANT

BUSINESS AUTOMATION & INNOVATION FORGIVEABLE LOAN

This program exists to grow the local economy and tax base by supporting businesses in adopting technology and automation that expands their business reach, trade area, and service capacity for the benefit of the public.

BUSINESS FLEX PACE / PACE INTEREST BUYDOWN MATCH GRANT

This program exists to grant that required community match to businesses utilizing the BND PACE and Flex Pace programs.  Contact your lead business banker to learn more about making an application to the PACE or Flex Pace:

Business Flex Pace:  https://bnd.nd.gov/loans/business/flex-pace-program/

Affordable Housing Flex Pace:  https://bnd.nd.gov/loans/business/flex-pace-for-affordable-housing/

BUSINESS STARTUP & EXPANSION FORGIVABLE LOAN 

This program exists to grow the local economy and tax base by supporting business startup and expansion for the benefit of the public.

BUSINESS MICRO-MATCH GRANT

This grant exists to support business startups with commercial footprints of 250 sq/ft or less that grow the local economy and tax base for public benefit.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY – NONCOFORMING BUILDING CODE / GRANDFATHERED FORGIVEABLE LOAN

This program exists to grow the local economy and tax base by supporting commercial properties in their ability to house businesses that benefit the public.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY - PARKING & FACADE MATCH GRANT / SIGNAGE FORGIVEABLE LOAN 

This program exists to grow the local economy and tax base by supporting businesses in existing commercial properties with exterior enhancements to their businesses that benefit the public.

COMMUNITY BUILD GRANT

This grant exists to promote community facilities and promote public / private partnerships for public benefit.

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT GRANT 

This grant exists to promote cultural inclusion and workforce attraction and retention by supporting community organizations that provide community vibrancy programming and events.

LICENSED CHILD CARE RENEWAL REIMBURSEMENT GRANT 

This grant exists to support licensed daycares that promote workforce attraction and retention & health, safety and wellbeing.

PLEASE FIND THE FILL AND PRINT PROGRAM APPLICATIONS BELOW.  Upon completion, email them to nmorton@n.gov.  Please call, text, or email questions to Vawnita Best:  vbest@nd.gov or (701) 580-1862